Dallas Keuchel, a left-handed pitcher known for his exceptional control and ground-ball inducing abilities, began his Major League Baseball career with the Houston Astros. Drafted by the Astros in the seventh round of the 2009 MLB Draft, Keuchel made his debut on June 17, 2012. Initially, he struggled to find consistency in the major leagues, but his persistence and adaptability soon paid off.
Keuchel's breakout season came in 2014 when he posted a 2.93 ERA over 29 starts, earning him the American League Gold Glove Award for his defensive prowess on the mound. This accolade marked the beginning of his reputation as one of the best fielding pitchers in the league. The following year, 2015, was a career-defining season for Keuchel. He achieved a 20-8 record with a 2.48 ERA and 216 strikeouts, leading the American League in wins and innings pitched. His performance earned him the prestigious Cy Young Award, making him the first Astros pitcher to win the award since Roger Clemens in 2004.
Keuchel's ability to induce ground balls was a cornerstone of his pitching style, relying heavily on a sinker that kept hitters off balance. His command and control allowed him to work deep into games, often pitching complete games and saving the bullpen for future contests. In 2015, he was instrumental in leading the Astros to their first postseason appearance in a decade, where they advanced to the American League Division Series.
The 2016 season saw Keuchel face some challenges, as he dealt with shoulder inflammation that affected his performance. Despite this setback, he continued to be a reliable presence in the Astros' rotation. In 2017, Keuchel bounced back with a strong start to the season, earning an All-Star selection. He played a crucial role in the Astros' journey to their first World Series title, contributing significantly in the postseason with key performances against the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.
After his tenure with the Astros, Keuchel entered free agency and eventually signed with the Atlanta Braves in June 2019. His time with the Braves was marked by a solid performance, helping the team secure a division title. In December 2019, Keuchel signed a three-year contract with the Chicago White Sox. During the shortened 2020 season, he posted a remarkable 1.99 ERA over 11 starts, finishing fifth in the American League Cy Young Award voting.
Keuchel's tenure with the White Sox continued into the 2021 season, where he provided veteran leadership and experience to a young pitching staff. Although his performance fluctuated, he remained a valuable asset to the team, contributing to their successful campaign and postseason appearance.
Throughout his career, Keuchel was known for his meticulous approach to pitching, often studying hitters and adjusting his strategy accordingly.
⚾